At its June 5 meeting, the Mercer Island City Council honored 38-year resident and former Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Terry Moreman with the 2016 “Citizen of the Year” award.

The award is given to individuals or entities whose achievements may have gone unrecognized in some settings, but who have improved Island life through a broad base of community service, fundraising or other means.

Moreman is a self-declared “career volunteer.” She started as the chamber’s director in 1990, which is when the council began recognizing outstanding efforts of citizens, a tradition that has continued for more than 25 years.

2016 was the 70th anniversary of the chamber’s founding and it continues to represent, support and advocate for the businesses of Mercer Island, large and small. As chamber director, Moreman produced well-received events like Town Center trick-or-treating and Art UnCorked.

In addition to building a strong and respected business core in Mercer Island, she has also played a significant role in the success of many organizations: the Historical Society, Sister City Association, Farmers Market, Boys and Girls Club, PTA, Mercer Island Preschool Association, Community Fund and Mercer Island Schools Foundation.

“We build community,” Moreman wrote in her introduction to the chamber’s latest directory and community guide. “We are a catalyst — a common vehicle through which business and professional people work together for the common good of the community.”

The council “considers Terry an inspiring catalyst herself, and believe it is citizens like her that make Mercer Island such an amazing place to live, work and visit,” according to a city news release.

Moreman has appeared at many City Council meetings and served on countless boards and committees, influencing the decision-making process on everything from school functions to the Town Center revitalization.

“I couldn’t have done all those things without the help of the city and all of the people that live here,” Moreman said at the June 5 meeting, when she received her award. “You have been so fantastically supportive of the chamber and that’s one of the reasons we’re so successful. So thank you very much, and I think we should all share this.”

Deputy Mayor Debbie Bertlin told Moreman that she is a “role model,” a sentiment echoed by other members of the council.

“You always have a smile on your face and you’re always looking at the positive, so thank you for that attitude and the great joy and spirit you bring to the community,” Bertlin said.

“There are people in this community who are really bulwarks of the community, who have been there time and again and responded to the need to provide public service,” said Councilmember Dan Grausz. “You are clearly one of them, and it’s always been a pleasure working with you on many projects.”

“You’re such a great model for what people can do inside their community, and the quiet, humble way you’ve gone about making so much change and helping so many people do what they want to do is fantastic,” said Councilmember Dave Wisenteiner.

A gallery of Citizen of the Year photographs can be viewed in the lobby immediately adjacent to the council chambers in City Hall. Learn more about past awardees here.